THROBBED

RACHEL

I’ve always been good at hiding my emotions. But when my parents separated, a lot changed for me. Buttling everything inside slowly became harder. So damn harder.

Just like now.

I couldn’t hide how dumbfounded I was by what Thane just said.

Sure. Thane is reckless… but he wouldn’t actually kiss me. Right?

“I treated your hand. I didn’t think your brain would be affected.”

I glared at him.

Does he need reminding that I’m supposed to be his stepsister? I'm clearly off the rack.

A smirk played on his lips like he was daring me to challenge him. Yeah. I know I’ve fantasized about those lips before. Anyone would fantasise about kissing a lip like Thane’s. 

But the thought of it actually happening now made my stomach churn.

Or what do you call this feeling? The one where I’m angry at myself for staring… yet I can’t even stop?

I stood up quickly, making sure there was enough space between us.

“I don’t know if this is you being daring,” he said calmly, “or you actually want me to kiss you.”

He wasn’t smiling. And neither was I.

He stepped closer, but I didn’t move.

Maybe I was too stunned by how close he came. He towered over me, and when I tilted my head to look at him, it was like I was staring up at the sky.

His eyes dropped to my lips… then back to my face.

“Do you actually want me…”

“Stop it, Thane. Just stop.”

My voice trembled. I wasn’t even sure if I said it out loud or it was one of those outbursts in my head.

When he leaned closer, my eyes shut on their own. My breath caught and my fists tightened beside me. 

Just this once. Maybe when he kisses me, I'll stop fantasizing about it. I held my breath and waited for him… But nothing happened.

I slowly opened my eyes.

Seriously? He was typing on his phone?

Heat rushed to my face.

Oh my God. I felt so stupid. Completely stupid. I can’t believe I fell for that. It was humiliating.

Then he looked up at me.

“I need to leave.”

I frowned. He was the same person who stopped me from leaving earlier. Now he’s the one walking away?

“And where exactly are you going?” I asked, keeping my tone calm.

“My doc. She wants me around. I can’t leave you here alone.”

“Obviously.” I said flatly.

“Right. So… you’re coming?”

For once, he sounded sincere. Thane had never once given me a straight answer and now that he did he suddenly seemed a lot different.

“Fine.” 

I rolled my eyes but I was thrilled inside. 

THANE

I’ve done my best to avoid seeing Nancy for almost a week, and when her threat text came in today of all days, I knew I couldn’t dodge her anymore.

Dad hired her as my “factory reset engineer”. His words, not mine. Truth is, that woman did more than just “fix.” and I grew used to her. But lately, she’s been trying to dig into a lot of things. So, I put her on hold.

“So… I'm guessing doctors just appear out of nowhere these days.”

Rachel spoke beside me.

Fuck. I almost forgot she was sitting right next to me. I still don’t even know why I asked her to tag along.

I probably wouldn’t have made it out if I didn’t bring her with me. The girl could stress the hell out of me, or worse, disappear. She might just run off to see that Raymond girl, which of course doesn’t bother me… It doesn’t. I just prefer knowing she’s somewhere I can reach.

“Thane?”

She pulled me out of my thoughts again.

I blinked. “Yeah? Uh…” I glanced at her. She looked genuinely concerned.. “Sorry. What was that?”

“I’m asking why you’re suddenly seeing a doctor.”

I gave a low chuckle. “So that’s what this is about?”

She pouted her lips in that funny way that’s annoyingly cute. 

“You know what? Just forget it.” she muttered.

The rest of the ride was quiet until I pulled into the driveway and killed the engine. I expected her to start another round of questions, but strangely, she didn’t.

She was busy staring around, maybe fascinated by the building, or who knows what.

“Wait right here,” I told her before we reached Nancy’s office.

It was a small, cozy place meant for special visitors. She should be comfortable until I get back.

I knocked once on Nancy’s door before going in. The usual smell of lavender greeted me.

Her face tilted up the second I shut the door.

“Wow.” She beamed. “What a special guest I have here. Thane Adams.”

“Can I sit?” I pointed at the empty chair in front of her.

She looked at me like she was trying to read something off my face.

“I’m guessing we’re trying a different approach today.” She gestured to the chair. “Of course. Make yourself comfortable.”

“Great. So… what’s going on?”

She handled the book on her lap with care and placed it on the table before looking at me again.

“I thought you wanted to talk, Thane. Isn’t that what this is about?”

Nancy sure knows how to brew a conversation. She somehow always finds a new way to work around me.

“Look, Nancy.” I adjusted in my seat. “Let’s not pretend we don’t both know what you’re trying to do here. You know this isn’t working, and I’m sure we don’t want to waste each other’s time…”

“We’re not wasting time, Thane.” She cut in quickly. “We’ve been making progress. Something you’re too scared to admit. And avoidance? That’s a form of progress too. At least.”

“Can we not do this right now?” I cut in sharply, suddenly feeling a headache build at the side of my head. I rubbed it lightly. “I’m fine now, Nancy. Just tell my father I’m good.”

She nodded like she agreed, but she didn’t. She was just looking for something else to pick apart.

“How did you get that wound on your hand? I mean… We can talk about it… if you want. Do you?”

“No. I don’t. Alright?”

“Fine. And the dreams? Anyone lately?”

She was doing it again. Trying to get to me. But I’ve gone down that road before.

“I guess I’ve been dealing with a lot lately. I barely get any sleep.”

She gave me a flat look. “Look, Thane. We can stop all of this like you want, but you can’t stop the grief you’re feeling deep down. I thought we’d become closer lately. Almost like friends. But I don’t understand what’s changed…”

“Fine. I saw Wendy… I saw her, and damn it, it’s been a lot. When I saw her, I remembered everything but I don't wanna.. talk about it now.” I exhaled slowly, like I could still feel the burn in my chest. “Can we just continue tomorrow? My father’s got this gala tonight, and I need to hit the mall with Rachel. I promise I’m not running this time.”

A knowing smile touched her lips. “Wow. Rachel?”

“Don’t start. She’s my stepsister.”

“Right. Your stepsis.”

Finally, I stood to my feet and gave her one last smile before heading toward the door.

“My regards to Rachel,” she teased on my way out, but I didn’t answer.

The second I stepped outside, I paused to steady my breath. Sometimes it gets hard to breathe after one of those conversations.

I went straight to the room where I’d left Rachel.

Fuck! The room was empty.

“Fuck. I told her not to move. Where the hell did she go?” I muttered scanning the room.

I stormed out again, looked around, then went back inside. My eyes scanned the room one last time and landed on her bag sitting on the chair.

She wouldn’t leave her bag if she’d actually gone somewhere.

My heart started pounding so fast. I called her phone.

Damn it. It was ringing, but she wasn’t picking up.

I rushed outside again and walked down the hall. Maybe she was somewhere nearby.

Just then, my phone chimed.

Unknown number: Your time’s up.

I read it twice before it sank in. There’s only one person who would send that.

Fucking Joe.

Then it hit me. Rachel. Oh hell. He did something to her.

“Fuck!” I kicked whatever was in front of me.

My head throbbed so badly I didn’t want to believe anything had gone wrong.

What the hell have you done, Thane?